Summer Solstice
On this, the eve of the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, we’re left wondering how it’s possible that June has nearly passed us by.
Summer is being ushered in with a cold front paired with rain and mountain snow. Perhaps not the preferred forecast for those seeking summer sun but definitely the weather we need as much of the region is already grappling with drought conditions.
Enjoy your summer weather today with sunshine and highs near 90. Tomorrow brings a chance of showers and thunderstorms throughout the day with a high of 73 degrees. Chance of rain is 100 percent. More of the same tomorrow night with lows in the low 40’s.
The trend continues on Saturday with rain and highs in the low 60s and more of the same on Sunday with highs struggling to hit 60 degrees.
Summer sun and heat will return early next week with temps climbing back into the 70’s and 80’s.
The weekend weather could put a damper on the phenomenal PMD fishing we’ve been experiencing these past couple of weeks but we’ll trade a day or two of dry fly fishing for any precipitation we can get.
As summer heat returns next week expect plenty of company out there. Expect a bunch of boat traffic, an army of wade anglers and no shortage of rec floaters also enjoying this amazing water we call home. It’s officially SUMMERTIME on the MO!
Did I mention phenomenal PMD action? Why yes, I did and it is. The best in years! How long will it last? It’s hard to know but there’s only one way to find out.
Visit Wolf Creek Angler on your way to the water and stock up on the latest and greatest techy PMD patterns. We like a GWS spinner or Jake’s Hatchback paired with a Film Critic, Last Chance Cripple or CDC emerger. You’d also do well to add a few Rusty Spinners into your mix.
Arm yourself with an ample supply of bugs and prepare to deliver perfect presentations (or as close to it as you can get). Fishing to a pod of sippers is NOT the ideal place to practice your casting technique or to perfect your drift, you had all winter to work on it.
Fishing a caddis allows for some level of sub-perfect drift as a skating/skittering caddis often attracts a violent take. Try a Missouri River CDC Caddis, Outrigger Caddis, Stockingfoot Caddis, Cornfed Caddis or any number of classic variations of Elk Hair offerings. And while you’re stocking up on dry flies don’t forget the Buzzballs. Summertime is Buzzball time on the MO.
Terrestrials are starting to come into play. Ants will get some looks. Hoppers on deck.
Those chasing bobbers are also faring well with Split Case PMD’s, Crackbacks and Frenchies leading the charge. PT Little Green Machines, PMD Psycho May and Magic Fly, Doc’s PMD, Stockers Two Hot PMD, Purple or Gold Weight Fly, Tung Darts all good options.
Streamers….not so much but if you can contend with the rapidly increasing volume of aquatic vegetation and you’re convinced you’re going to entice that fish of a lifetime knock yourself out.
Water levels are currently at 4380 CFS with water temps just north of 60 degrees. We’ve likely seen the peak flows come and go; it wasn’t much.
We’re open early, 7 AM daily, and we literally have EVERYTHING you need for your day on the water including sunscreen, ice, the best free coffee in the canyon and The CHEAPEST DAM SHUTTLES ON THE MO.
We’re in the midst of PRIME TIME so lodging is pretty well spoken for, guides are booked solid and rental boats are in heavy rotation and are pretty tough to come by. Disappointing for those looking for that last minute pilgrimage to the MO but it’s a good reminder to make those plans now for 2026. The vast majority of our PRIME TIME bookings are made a year in advance, just something to keep in mind.
Happy Summer Solstice! We hope to see you soon for PRIME TIME on the Missouri.